David Moyes: 'Wayne Rooney vital to England World Cup hopes'

David Moyes has suggested that Wayne Rooney carried his Manchester United team for much of last season and believes that the forward will be vital to England's prospects at the World Cup.

Rooney's place in Roy Hodgson's starting lineup for the first game, against Italy on June 14, has been placed in some doubt due to the performances of other squad members such as Raheem Sterling.

However, his former club boss was quick to pay tribute to the 28-year-old's contribution for the Red Devils during their below-par Premier League campaign, and also claimed that the striker will be crucial for the Three Lions in Brazil.

The Scot told The Mirror: "He has the mental strength to handle those games and when I look at England, I think he has to play.

"There is an awful lot of pressure being lumped on him, which isn't right.

"England haven't done particularly well in a lot of competitions, so no-one should be expecting great things from them."

Rooney netted England's first goal in their 2-2 friendly draw with Ecuador in Miami on Wednesday.